A special documenting the history of this controversial musical dealing with social issues of the 30's, particularly divisions of labor and management. Original star Howard da Silva, who directed the 1964 Off Broadway production (that cast seen here), sits down to explain its purpose, and is joined by Jerry Orbach, Nancy Andrews, Micki Grant and Clifford Davis who perform some of the most important songs from the show.
Clips from this were later used on the six part PBS documentary on the history of the Broadway musical, the most affecting Grant's "Joe Worker", up there with "Supper Time" from "As Thousands Cheer" for black social justice as seen through the eyes of a black woman. There's enough insight in the show clips to entice the viewer from when this came out.
Da Silva tells the profound story of the original opening night, adding a bit of humor about being upset that he couldn't get his toupee. This was later fully dramatized in a recreation of that night under its name by Tim Robbins and along with this is a fantastic historical document, not only for theater, but for society and basic human rights.
Clips from this were later used on the six part PBS documentary on the history of the Broadway musical, the most affecting Grant's "Joe Worker", up there with "Supper Time" from "As Thousands Cheer" for black social justice as seen through the eyes of a black woman. There's enough insight in the show clips to entice the viewer from when this came out.
Da Silva tells the profound story of the original opening night, adding a bit of humor about being upset that he couldn't get his toupee. This was later fully dramatized in a recreation of that night under its name by Tim Robbins and along with this is a fantastic historical document, not only for theater, but for society and basic human rights.
